What is a major complication associated with sickle cell disease?

A major complication associated with sickle cell disease is the occurrence of painful vaso-occlusive crises. This phenomenon arises when sickled red blood cells obstruct blood flow in small vessels, leading to ischemia and intense pain in affected areas. The pain can be excruciating and can occur in various parts of the body, commonly affecting the chest, abdomen, and joints. These crises may be triggered by factors such as dehydration, infection, extreme temperatures, or stress.

While the other options listed can also be associated with sickle cell disease, they do not represent the hallmark complication as vividly as vaso-occlusive crises. For instance, while pneumonia can occur due to compromised immunity in patients with sickle cell disease, it is a secondary issue rather than a primary complication. Hemorrhage is also not a typical complication directly linked to the disease. Anemia is indeed a characteristic of sickle cell disease due to the destruction of sickle-shaped red blood cells; however, painful vaso-occlusive crises are more defining in their impact on patients' quality of life and require immediate management during their episodes. Thus, the specific and debilitating nature of painful vaso-occlusive crises makes it the correct focal point when considering major complications of sickle cell disease